Homicide Defense
Homicide is one of the most serious criminal charges that you can face in Indiana. This crime carries severe consequences, including fines, incarceration, and even the death penalty. If you are convicted of murder, your life could change forever.
If you are facing homicide charges, don’t face the criminal justice system alone. At Shircliff Law LLC, our homicide defense lawyer can represent you in your criminal proceedings and find the best defense for your case. Our firm will work tirelessly to help you avoid these harsh penalties and protect your future.
Why You Need a Defense Lawyer From Shircliff Law LLC
With over 20 years of legal experience, our attorney David Shircliff is dedicated to fighting for the rights of people who are facing criminal charges. He has successfully produced positive results in over 200 cases, helping the accused achieve reduced penalties, shorter sentences, and even dismissals and acquittals.
Our firm understands how difficult this time in your life can be, and we will advocate aggressively on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
The Definition Of Homicide Under Indiana Law
According to Section 35-42-1-1 of the Indiana Code, homicide or murder occurs when a person intentionally kills another human being. This crime also occurs when a person kills another person while committing or attempting to commit any of the following crimes:
- Rape
- Robbery
- Arson
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Carjacking
- Human trafficking
- Sex trafficking
- Narcotic or meth dealing
- Narcotic or meth manufacturing
- Consumer product tampering
- Child molestation
Penalties for Homicide in Indiana
Penalties for homicide can be very severe in Indiana. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the case, you could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or between 45 to 65 years in prison and a $10,000 maximum fine. You could also face the death penalty.
How a Homicide Defense Attorney Can Help Your Case
Facing homicide charges can be extremely difficult alone. In these situations, you need a lawyer on your side who can fight to protect your rights and interests. An Indianapolis homicide defense lawyer from Shircliff Law can support you during this challenging process.
Our attorney will present evidence to establish your innocence or your lack of intent, fighting aggressively for reduced charges or a complete dismissal of your case. He will ensure that the police upheld your rights and followed all of the proper procedures necessary to legally investigate your case and arrest you on suspicion of the crime.
Your lawyer will also craft a compelling defense in your favor and argue for your side of the story in Indiana court. Whether you were defending yourself against an attacker or the deceased’s own actions led to his or her death, your attorney will work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
If you are convicted on homicide charges, your lawyer will be dedicated to reducing the penalties that the court may levy against you. He will present any relevant mitigating circumstances to the court during the sentencing phase, such as no prior criminal history or evidence of a state of extreme mental stress. Your lawyer will be on your side during each stage of your case and will fight to protect your best interests along the way.
When Will the Death Penalty Apply in Indiana Homicide Cases?
An Indiana court may sentence a homicide accused to death unless he or she was under the age of 18 at the time of the incident. There are a number of enhancing circumstances where Indiana will sentence a person to death for murder, including the following:
- The murder was premeditated or planned beforehand.
- The accused was previously convicted of murder.
- The accused was in police custody or on parole at the time of the murder.
- The victim was pregnant, and the murder resulted in the death of the fetus.
- The victim was a child under the age of 12.
- The victim was a witness against the accused in a crime.
- The victim was mutilated, tortured, or dismembered.
- The accused kidnapped the victim or committed a sex crime against him or her.
- The victim was a police officer, judge, or on-duty firefighter and the murder was motivated by the victim’s position.
- The murder occurred while the accused was in the process of committing another felony crime.
- The accused committed the murder by intentionally firing a gun into a home or automobile.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for Homicide in Indianapolis
Being accused of murder can be a scary and life-changing experience. It is common to want to clear your name and fight these charges in any way that you can. However, it is important to remain calm in these situations and seek the help of a lawyer as soon as you possibly can.
First, comply with any orders from law enforcement. Allow the officers to handcuff you and take you to the police station. However, remember that you have the right to remain silent and protect yourself from self-incrimination. Anything that you say to the officers could be later used against you in your case.
Do not answer any questions, speak to investigators, or make any other statements during your arrest. Instead, request to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. As a criminal accused, you have the ability to obtain legal counsel, and police officers cannot infringe upon this important constitutional right.
Your attorney will come to your location and help you understand the charges that you are facing. He will answer any questions that you may have and explain what to expect next during the criminal justice process. Then, your attorney will begin taking steps to investigate the charges you are facing and request that you be released from custody, if applicable.
Arrested for Homicide in Indianapolis? Contact Shircliff Law LLC.
If you’re facing homicide charges in Indianapolis, the choice is clear: you need the right attorney on your side who can mount an aggressive defense in your favor. Trust Shircliff Law LLC to protect your interests and fight for your side of the story.
Don’t navigate the criminal justice system alone. Contact us today online or over the phone at 317-279-4894 to schedule your case consultation with our Indianapolis homicide defense attorney.